Knight’s Experience helped prepare me for student-teaching success

NAME: DeQuevion Burke
CLASS YEAR: 2025
HOMETOWN: Waterloo
MAJOR: Music Education and Vocal Performance 

HOW ARE YOU USING YOUR KNIGHT’S EXPERIENCE MONEY: I used the Knight’s Experience Fund to help me complete my student-teaching in the Waverly-Shell Rock School District. I had the great opportunity to collaborate with master educators in the music department to improve my teaching skills. I led rehearsals, guided students through private voice lessons, reflected on my teaching skills with my collaborating teachers, and formed impacting relationships with the students and educators within the Waverly-Shell Rock community.

HOW DID THIS EXPERIENCE PREPARE YOU FOR SUCCESS: This experience prepares me for what to expect in my classroom. Like in any profession, it is important to have mentors guiding us through the do’s and don’ts of working in the real world. I’m learning how to run effective rehearsals in various grade levels, understand the administrative side of being an educator, and build endurance when balancing my school life and personal life.

HOW DID THE KNIGHT’S EXPERIENCE HELP YOU WITH YOUR STUDENT-TEACHING: This fund helped me prepare for success in the classroom and to obtain resources for professional development. I want to take any opportunity to be well-prepared when in the field.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD: This fund and this experience allowed me to acquire hands-on learning in being a music educator. I learned more about myself in those 11 weeks than I did in my four years of being a student. I’m thankful for this experience and what I’ve been able to learn from my peers, mentors, and students.